The average student loan debt for undergrad students for the 2021-2022 school year was nearly $30,000, according to the College Board.

A program in the Rio Grande Valley is seeking to teach high school seniors about smart financial decisions as they prepare for college. 

“We've been providing continued support for them regarding information on the college career process,” Gear-Up Region One Education Service Center Director Ricardo Lee Lopez, Jr. aid.

Lopez said Gear-Up Region One is letting students know that not handling debt responsibly could impact them for years.

“Having difficulty finding a job or getting employment in certain places because of credit scores and so on,” Lopez said. “It's not just about managing money, it has an overall impact — or can have an overall impact on their lives."

To help future college students better understand what's ahead, Region One is putting together two meet and greet events to provide guidance to high school seniors and current college students.

“Graduation from high school is a wonderful thing, but you still need a credential in some level and in some capacity to be able to move on to the next part if you want to have a well-based job to help sustain you as you move forward,” Lopez said.

For information on the meet and greet, call Region one at 956-984-6000.

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